Comparing the two LEGO Star Wars 501st Legion battle packs

As 75280 501st Legion Clone Troopers is set to retire, a LEGO Star Wars 501st battle pack is coming in 2023, though the two have their differences. 

With the retirement of the fan-demanded 75280 501st Legion Clone Troopers coming in just a couple of weeks and the model starting to sell out on LEGO.com worldwide, there’s some good news on the horizon as 75345 501st Clone Troopers Battle Pack is coming to replace it. 

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Since these two sets are so similar in their source material, it’s time to see how the 2023 version stacks up to the older model. Before we go into the differences and similarities though, we’ve got an in-depth review of both sets that you can by clicking here for 75280 501st Legion Clone Troopers and here for 75345 501st Clone Troopers Battle Pack. The latter review includes an in-depth look at the new model and its minifigures.

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Minifigures 

One of the most appealing aspects of both sets is the 501st Legion minifigures and only counting the Clone Troopers, both the new and old models have four each. This includes one with a back accessory in 75280 501st Legion Clone Troopers, a jetpack, and two with back accessories in 75345 501st Clone Troopers Battle Pack, backpacks.

In terms of printing, the designs are much the same as is to be expected but with included accessories such as visors in the 2023 model and weapon attachments, as well as the new macrobinoculars, there seem to be improvements in terms of customisation. It should be noted that the more expensive set included two battle droids to fight as well, but enemy figures aren’t always included in battle packs, a design choice that the 2023 version follows.

Models 

While the first 501st model included two models for an AT-RT walker and a speeder bike, the 2023 version only includes a miniaturised AV-7 cannon. As stated in our review, minifigures are the main attraction of LEGO Star Wars battle packs but this build could still be useful for army builders to populate a battlefield.

With the new set being £17.99 / $19.99 / €19.99 and including 119 pieces compared to the old model’s £24.99 / $29.99 / €29.99 and 285 elements, fewer builds are to be expected but the piece count isn’t quite equal in terms of the proportionate price.

Price 

As stated, the value between 75280 501st Legion Clone Troopers and 75345 501st Legion Clone Troopers Battle Pack isn’t equal when looking at their price compared to their piece count. However, that’s not always a good metric of judging a LEGO set. Referring to our reviews once again, the older set’s excellent minifigures helped contribute to the value of the build, making it a tremendous deal, according to Brick Fanatics.

Comparatively, in our review of 75345 501st Legion Clone Troopers Battle Pack, the volume of plastic included in the model doesn’t feel right for the price. Getting one or two won’t feel too bad, especially for those who may have missed out on the first, but a sale may be best for picking up more of the battle pack in the future.

You can check out images of all three upcoming LEGO Star Wars 2023 sets by clicking here, or see the table below for more details as we wait for January 1 to arrive. 

LEGO set Price Pieces Release date 
75344 Boba Fett’s Starship Microfighter £8.99 / $9.99 / €9.99 85 January 1, 2023 
75345 501st Clone Troopers Battle Pack £17.99 / $19.99 / €19.99 119 January 1, 2023 
75347 TIE Bomber £59.99 / $64.99 / €64.99 625 January 1, 2023 

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